Hydroxyapatite backed glenoid prosthesis

Abstract

A glenoid prosthesis for use in total shoulder arthroplasty. The glenoid prosthesis has a concave articulating plate that can interact with the humeral component of an artificial shoulder joint, and a backing for connecting and bonding the prosthesis to the human scapula. The backing of the glenoid prosthesis can be made using hydroxyapatite, which forms a bond with human bone. The backing can further include means for connecting, such as pegs or a keel, to facilitate the connection of the glenoid prosthesis with the scapula.

1 . A glenoid prosthesis, comprising: 
 an articulating plate having a concave surface, wherein said concave surface is shaped to articulate with the head of a humerus of a shoulder joint; and    a backer attached to said articulating plate and having a bonding surface for engaging a surface of the subchondral bone of a scapula, wherein said backer is made of hydroxyapatite.    
   
   
       2 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 1 , where said backer includes a plurality of pegs.  
   
   
       3 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of pegs is three pegs.  
   
   
       4 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said three pegs are positioned in a triangle formation.  
   
   
       5 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said three pegs are located within the medial portion of said backer.  
   
   
       6 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of pegs is made of hydroxyapatite.  
   
   
       7 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said plurality of pegs is coated with hyroxyapatite.  
   
   
       8 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said backer includes a keel.  
   
   
       9 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said keel extends horizontally between opposing side edges of said backer.  
   
   
       10 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said keel is made of hydroxyapatite.  
   
   
       11 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said keel is coated with hyrdoxyapatite.  
   
   
       12 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said articulating plate is made of ultra-high molecular weight, highly cross-linked polyethylene.  
   
   
       13 . The glenoid prosthesis as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said articulating plate includes a superior portion and an inferior portion, and wherein said inferior portion is broader than said superior portion.  
   
   
       14 . A method for making a glenoid prosthesis, comprising; 
 providing an articulating plate having concave surface;    providing an amount of hydroxyapatite;    spraying said hydroxyapatite onto said articulating plate under pressure to form a backer; and    forming a plurality of pegs on said backer.    
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said articulating plate is made of ultra-high molecular weight, highly cross-linked polyethylene.  
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein said plurality of pegs is three pegs.  
   
   
       17 . The method as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said three pegs are positioned in a triangle formation.  
   
   
       18 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said three pegs are coated with said hydroxyapatite.  
   
   
       19 . A method for making a glenoid prosthesis, comprising; 
 providing an articulating plate having concave surface;    providing an amount of hydroxyapatite;    spraying said hydroxyapatite onto said articulating plate under pressure to form a backer; and    forming a keel on said backer.    
   
   
       20 . The method as recited in  claim 19 , wherein said keel extends horizontally between opposing side edges of said backer.